From Getting Bullied & Called “Baboon” To Heartthrob: Man’s Dramatic Makeover Goes Viral

From enduring bullying from his school days to facing unfair treatment at work because of his appearance, a man from Kobe, Japan, decided to completely transform himself.

He started working out and underwent cosmetic procedures, gaining the confidence he lacked in his younger years. His dramatic transformation has since gone viral online.

Masaya Imamura, 33, was once mocked for his small eyes, flat nose, and poor complexion. His school years were difficult — classmates insulted him with the nickname “pig baboon,” and he often felt invisible among his peers.

As he grew older and entered the workforce, Imamura thought he could leave those experiences behind, but reality proved even harsher. Despite being a diligent worker, he, on more than one occasion, received complaints from clients because of his appearance. 

After years of facing discrimination and mockery, he grew deeply frustrated and became determined to turn his life around.

Imamura’s transformation began in the gym. Ignoring ridicule from those around him, he trained intensely and eventually built a strong, muscular physique. 

His dedication paid off, as he later went on to win a professional bodybuilding competition, earning respect from many. 

After achieving his ideal body, he shifted his focus to his appearance. Imamura has been open about undergoing cosmetic procedures, documenting his journey on social media. The procedures included double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, jawline liposuction, and various skin treatments.

He spent a total of about 1mil yen (S$8,033) on his facial transformation. Imamura said he aimed for a natural look, deliberately avoiding an overly artificial appearance and carefully considering each procedure before going under the knife.

His life changed dramatically after the transformation. According to Imamura, he began receiving more attention from women and was even approached by strangers. At work, he no longer faced criticism about his appearance, and was instead praised by clients for his focus and charm. He even earned himself the nickname “Kobe heartthrob”. 

However, Imamura remains realistic, joking that such “preferential treatment” disappears in Tokyo, where attractive people are aplenty. This led him to realise the importance of being in the right environment to truly shine.

Imamura now owns his own skincare centre, using his personal experience to help others. For him, the greatest benefit of “upgrading” his appearance has been the confidence and inner fulfilment it brought.

He said: “Whether a person can treat others well depends on how secure they feel on the inside. When you are fulfilled within, you naturally become more even-tempered.”

He also advises clients that cosmetic procedures are only a tool to enhance physical appearance. He believes people should first decide the kind of person they want to be, since that is the true responsibility they have for their own life.